We are back again for another glorious slate of College Football Week 2, and this week there are more intriguing matchups than last week. Last week was FCS vs. FBS-heavy, while this week will be a little more balanced in the competition levels of football.
Once again, I had four picks in week 1, which were Stanford +24.5, Tarleton State +3, Lehigh -18.5, and Weber State +15.5. I went 3-1, with the only loss being the Stanford pick, and I would like to say I personally ended up not betting this, as there was a report that came out shortly before game time that Stanford would be without some key players on both offense and defense. Nonetheless, let’s dive into the Week 2 slate and see if we can get some more dawgs barking!
College Football Week 2: Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ Boston College Eagles
The first game that I am going to look at and really only have a lean will take place in Chestnut Hill, MA. It is known as the “Red Bandana Game” in honor of 9/11 hero Welles Crowther, who was a Boston College alum. This year’s game will see Rutgers, who will be wearing 9/11 inspired jerseys, and Boston College, who will be wearing the famed Red Bandana jerseys.
Both of these teams haven’t showcased too much positive play so far this season, but I personally wouldn’t have any other game to honor those who never made it home that day. I am going to lean Rutgers +3 because I don’t think there are that many points separating the two teams here. The game opened at 3.5 and has since moved half a point in favor of Rutgers, and if it makes you feel better, buy that half a point.
Most importantly, I wanted to give recognition to those who were alumni of both of these schools and lost their lives in 9/11. I was able to find some great information on both the Boston College alumni and the Rutgers/Rutgers New Brunswick alumni.
College Football Week 2: South Florida Bulls @ Army Black Knights
Now, let’s clear our eyes of any tears and get into this next one. It takes us to West Point, NY, and it involves one of the greatest things in all of sports: triple-option football. Bulls head coach Brian Hartline was famous for recruiting the elite wide receivers to Ohio State in his time there and running the offense for a short time as well. However, I am not sure what he knows about academy football and long possessions.
Last week, Army was sharing the football among the entire team, as a whopping 16 different players had at least one rush with the football. Jeff Sagarin has this game at almost 9.5, Adam Burke has it at 4, and right now you can get it at Army at -3, which is where my ticket will be.
College Football Week 2: Arkansas Razorbacks @ Utah Utes
The line in this game puzzles me so much, as we see Arkansas take the long hike to Salt Lake City, UT, to enter the loud, rocking Rice-Eccles Stadium. From what I have heard, Rice-Eccles, especially at night, is a force to be reckoned with, and on top of that, the Utes are led by defensive genius and head coach Morgan Scalley and flashy quarterback Devon Dampier. On the other hand, Arkansas is led by coach Ryan Silverfield, who left Memphis for the Razorbacks in the offseason, and the majority of Memphis Tigers fans were elated about that move. Silverfield didn’t seem to be well liked in Memphis and also underperformed in recruiting local talent as well.
Anyway, I believe that all of these factors are going to play a huge part in this game, and it is going to show quickly what program is being run in Fayetteville, AR. Most of the power ratings I use and follow have this game right at 11 or as far down as 9, but I believe this to be a misread. The Utes are going to send the Razorbacks back home crying, so give me Utah -11.5.
College Football Week 2: FCS Dabbles and Leans
Back to the FCS side of things, I will be looking at two games again this week. The first game I am picking is going to be Drake vs. Northern Iowa, where Northern Iowa is favored by -11.5. I found out that Northern Iowa’s head coach, Todd Stepsis, was the head coach at Drake from 2019 to 2024 and that has me thinking. This is the first time Stepsis will be facing his former team and what’s not to say he won’t run the score up on them? I am hammering Northern Iowa here at -11.5.
The next FCS play I have is going to be between North Dakota and Portland State, and the line is at 25.5. Portland State has faced some very credible competition so far this year and is riding a 2-0 ATS record. Give me Portland State here at +25.5 on the late-night gridiron while I watch and struggle to keep my eyes open.
If I have any other plays for the week you can find them here, and be on the lookout for my NFL bets article as well here!
